Dwayne27
11-17-2008, 02:19 PM
The most commonly used entry to Grand Gulch proper. Trailhead is across the road from the Kane Gulch Ranger Station.
Rating: 1A IV
Time Required: 4 to 8 hours depending on how far you go into Grand Gulch and how much time you spend at the ruins.
Longest Rappel: No Rappels
Permit Information
Permits for day trips and overnight use can be obtained at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station. Be aware that the Kane Gulch Ranger Station is only open 8:00 AM to Noon and permits (including those reserved in advance) must be picked up the day of your trip.
Camping/Lodging
There is primitive camping all over Cedar Mesa. Overnight permits are available (and required) at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station (see permit information). Fry Canyon Lodge (open only in the summer) is the nearest lodging. There are also hotel rooms in Mexican Hat for those willing to do some driving.
Preferred Season
Spring and fall are best. Summers can be hot and buggy. Winter is typically cold and quiet with shorter days.
Water Concerns
This canyon is usually dry, but be aware it's a major drainage into Grand Gulch. Exercise caution if it's raining in the area.
Special Challenges
Rocky trails and exposed slickrock ledges if you explore the myriad archeological sites in the area. These archeological sites are incredible to view but please be careful and respectful. Look but don't touch. Leave all artifacts where you find them. Avoid climbing on structures and walking through middens.
Equipment Suggestions
Good hiking footwear, pack, water, food and clothing appropriate to the season. The trailhead is at 6,400 feet. This canyon can be very cold in the spring, fall and winter, especially at night. Be sure you have adequate clothing and shelter to prevent hypothermia.
Topographic Maps
Trails Illustrated #706 Grand Gulch Plateau, USGS 7.5' Topo Kane Gulch
Directions to Trailhead
From Blanding Utah go south on US 191. Turn right (south) on State Hwy 95 toward Cedar Mesa, Natural Bridges National Monument and Lake Powell. Cross the Comb Ridge and continue to Hwy 261 just before you get to Natural Bridges NM. Turn left on 261. The Kane Gulch Ranger Station is about five miles down the road on the left.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
0,597,584 E; 4,153,458 N
Approach
From the parking lot at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station cross to the west side of Hwy 261 to find the trailhead.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
Same as Trailhead.
Description: Standard Route
Hike down Kane Gulch to Grand Gulch proper. Explore the many archeological sites in the area both up and down the canyon. It is approximately 4 miles (one way) from the Kane Gulch trailhead to Grand Gulch. Be sure to check out Junction Ruin (just before the intersection with Grand Gulch). If you continue down Grand Gulch past the junction (south) you can also see Turkey Pen Ruin and Stimper Arch (total distance 10 miles round trip).
Exit
You can turnaround at any point and return the way you came.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
Same as entrance (Kane Gulch Trailhead).
Rating: 1A IV
Time Required: 4 to 8 hours depending on how far you go into Grand Gulch and how much time you spend at the ruins.
Longest Rappel: No Rappels
Permit Information
Permits for day trips and overnight use can be obtained at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station. Be aware that the Kane Gulch Ranger Station is only open 8:00 AM to Noon and permits (including those reserved in advance) must be picked up the day of your trip.
Camping/Lodging
There is primitive camping all over Cedar Mesa. Overnight permits are available (and required) at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station (see permit information). Fry Canyon Lodge (open only in the summer) is the nearest lodging. There are also hotel rooms in Mexican Hat for those willing to do some driving.
Preferred Season
Spring and fall are best. Summers can be hot and buggy. Winter is typically cold and quiet with shorter days.
Water Concerns
This canyon is usually dry, but be aware it's a major drainage into Grand Gulch. Exercise caution if it's raining in the area.
Special Challenges
Rocky trails and exposed slickrock ledges if you explore the myriad archeological sites in the area. These archeological sites are incredible to view but please be careful and respectful. Look but don't touch. Leave all artifacts where you find them. Avoid climbing on structures and walking through middens.
Equipment Suggestions
Good hiking footwear, pack, water, food and clothing appropriate to the season. The trailhead is at 6,400 feet. This canyon can be very cold in the spring, fall and winter, especially at night. Be sure you have adequate clothing and shelter to prevent hypothermia.
Topographic Maps
Trails Illustrated #706 Grand Gulch Plateau, USGS 7.5' Topo Kane Gulch
Directions to Trailhead
From Blanding Utah go south on US 191. Turn right (south) on State Hwy 95 toward Cedar Mesa, Natural Bridges National Monument and Lake Powell. Cross the Comb Ridge and continue to Hwy 261 just before you get to Natural Bridges NM. Turn left on 261. The Kane Gulch Ranger Station is about five miles down the road on the left.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
0,597,584 E; 4,153,458 N
Approach
From the parking lot at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station cross to the west side of Hwy 261 to find the trailhead.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
Same as Trailhead.
Description: Standard Route
Hike down Kane Gulch to Grand Gulch proper. Explore the many archeological sites in the area both up and down the canyon. It is approximately 4 miles (one way) from the Kane Gulch trailhead to Grand Gulch. Be sure to check out Junction Ruin (just before the intersection with Grand Gulch). If you continue down Grand Gulch past the junction (south) you can also see Turkey Pen Ruin and Stimper Arch (total distance 10 miles round trip).
Exit
You can turnaround at any point and return the way you came.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
Same as entrance (Kane Gulch Trailhead).